“So you’re not leaving town?”
“No, Webster is the perfect place to raise a child, and Joanie needs to be near her grandparents.”
Cliff gave him a broad smile. “Then I’ll have plenty of time to teach my granddaughter the family business. That is, with yours and Ali’s approval.”
“I have to warn you, she’s a pretty independent little girl.”
“An excellent quality.” Cliff grew serious. “I’m going to do everything differently, Jake. I’m going to take time off for family.”
Jake scribbled something on paper. “Will you give this note to Ali, Dad?” Jake started out the door as his father called him back.
“Aren’t you going to wait for her?”
Jake smiled. “I’ve been waiting for Ali all my life. I just have to prove it to her. Just give that note to her.”
It was midnight when Ali parked in front of the cottage. She got out of her car and looked around. The moonlight illuminated the snow blanketing the edge of the now frozen water. The trees along the slope were stripped of leaves, creating eerie shadows.
Shivering against the cold air, Ali pulled her jacket closer to her body and headed to the steps. She had to find Jake.
When she made it to the deck, memories of the last time she’d been here rushed into her head. Darcie’s wedding. Jake had disappeared from the church that day, too, and she’d come here hoping to find him. She’d never dreamed that they’d end up in each other’s arms….
Ali closed her eyes as a warm tingling ran through her at the memory of Jake Hawkins making love to her the first time. Tears soon replaced her joy. She had driven him away tonight.
“Oh, Jake, where are you?” she whispered. “Please, give me another chance. I love you.”
She went to the French doors and saw a dim light inside. There was a fire in the hearth. Trembling, she opened the door and walked in.
“Jake?” What if he didn’t want to listen to her? All his note had said was to meet him here, that they needed to talk.
“Ali-cat.”
Hearing her nickname, she jumped and looked up to see Jake standing in the doorway across the room.
“Jake, I’ve been worried about you.”
He had on jeans and a flannel shirt. He was minus his cane, and she barely noticed his limp as he made his way across the room. She heard only the loud pounding of her heart.
“I was worried about myself, too,” he said. “I needed some time to sort things out.”
Ali swallowed back the lump in her throat. “Did you?”
He stood in front of her, so close she could feel the heat of his body.
His dark eyes searched her face. “I’m not sure. I think I need a little help.” He reached out and began gently tugging off her jacket. Ali didn’t protest as the nylon jacket slid easily from her arms. Jake laid it on the back of the sofa, then took her hand and led her to the fireplace. He tossed a couple of pillows on the floor and motioned for her to sit down.
“I was hoping we could talk this through together,” he said.
“I want that, too,” she managed to say as they both sank to the floor.
“Good.”
He squeezed her hand in his, and her pulse raced. “I went to my dad’s tonight. We talked. I guess I should say we had a long argument.”
He gave her a sexy smile, and Ali had to fight to keep herself from jumping into his arms.
“But I think we finally cleared the air. There’s a lot of our past to resolve. A lot of secrets. I don’t know if we’ll ever have a good father-son relationship, but we’re working on a friendship.”
Hope surged through Ali.
“I know now that I’ve blamed my father for a lot of things he had no control over. My mother’s drinking, for one. I know now she was the one who refused professional help for her problem. I’ve kept a lot of anger bottled up for years.” He gave Ali a sheepish look. “Maybe some counseling might not be a bad idea.”
Ali smiled. “I think that’s a good idea. You and your father need to work through this.” Her gaze moved to his muscular chest covered by soft flannel. She couldn’t help but wonder if she’d ever again lay her head against his broad shoulders. She looked up at his face and caught his smile.
“I have other issues to resolve, too.” His ebony gaze locked with hers. “Ali, the first time we made love, I should have stayed with you. I knew we didn’t take precautions.”
Embarrassed, Ali glanced away, not wanting to listen to his regrets.
Jake touched her chin and made her turn back to him. “No, it’s not what you think. That night was so special. I’d never felt so close to anyone as I did with you. You reached inside me and took hold of my heart. I’d never let anyone get that close before and I panicked.” He rubbed a hand over his face. “But damn it, Ali, I used you. You should have hated me.”
“Oh, Jake. I could never hate you. I love you. Even way back then, I loved you.” She swallowed. “I thought you were ashamed of what happened between us. I thought you wanted to forget about me and that night.”
Jake tugged on Ali’s hand and brought her into his arms. “Oh, Ali-cat. I was never ashamed of you. That night was so special to me. We created a child together. Our daughter.”
Tears blurred her vision. “Oh, Jake…” She couldn’t get any words out. For a long time, they just held each other, forgiving themselves for the mistakes they’d made in the past.
Finally Jake pulled back. “Ali, I want us to build on what we have. I want to be a family—you, me and Joanie. I’ve stopped running. Wherever you and Joanie are is where I want to be. Even right here in Webster.”
Ali raised her head, and looked at him through her tears. “No, Jake. I was wrong to ask you to stay here. Gran June made me realize that it isn’t this town or the house that made me feel secure all these years. It was the love. You give me all the love I need. I feel at home with you, Jake. Anywhere. I love you.”
“Oh, God, Ali. I love you, too.” He cupped her cheeks, and his gaze bored into hers. “I need you and Joanie more than I need to breathe.”
Ali’s trembling hands went to his chest, feeling his racing heart. “We need you, too, Jake.”
She nuzzled the curve of his neck, savoring the joy of being in his arms, inhaling his familiar masculine scent that always drove her crazy.
“You’re like an angel,” he groaned. “I can’t live without you.”
Her arms tightened around his neck as she placed tiny kisses along his jaw. “I can’t live without you, either.
“I want us to have forever.” He lowered her to the carpet in front of the fire. Then his mouth took hers, and he kissed her until she writhed in hunger under him.
“I want forever, too, Jake, but can we talk about this later?” she asked as he continued his sensual assault on her body. “I’m going to die if you don’t make love to me soon.”
A cocky smile appeared across his handsome face. “Aren’t you the one who’s always saying we need to talk?”
“There are all kinds of ways to communicate.” Ali’s breath caught as Jake’s hands moved over her, then stopped under her breasts.
“Please, Jake,” she pleaded.
“I thought I lost you tonight,” he said.
“Never,” she breathed.
The crackling sound of the wood hid the loud drumming of her heart as his hands moved under her sweater, then raised it over her head, leaving her with just her lacy bra. He unfastened the front clasp, and his eyes burned with raw hunger.
A rush surged through her as he bent his head and covered her mouth. He traced her lips with his tongue, then he plunged deep inside her mouth, again and again, until she moaned. Anxious, she tore at the buttons on his shirt, until he was bare-chested. Then, in a flurry of need, the rest of their clothing came off.
Jake raised his head, feeling his head spin. He looked down at Ali’s satiny cheek, her full breasts rising and falling with her rapid breathing. The pulsing desire that took hol
d of Jake almost frightened him. He fought for control. He wanted Ali desperately, but he also needed to show her how much he loved her.
He leaned down and kissed her, but when Ali’s warm searching hands roamed over his body, all his good intentions disappeared. He couldn’t stand the torture anymore. He moved over her as he lowered his mouth to hers, massaging her with a slow, consuming kiss as he entered her. He swallowed her gasp as she took him deep into her warmth. Where there was no more thinking as their bodies moved fervently, finding a rhythm that took them closer and closer to the edge.
Suddenly she tensed and cried out his name, triggering his own release. They entered paradise, together.
Ali savored the wonderful sensation as she lay in Jake’s arms. He’d pulled the blanket off the sofa and covered them with it.
“Hey, you’re not going to fall asleep on me, are you?” he asked.
She sighed. “No, reliving what just happened.”
He rose up on his elbow and smiled at her. “No need. I can give you more memories any time you want.” He raised his hand to her face and began tracing her jaw. When his finger reached her mouth, she kissed it.
“Pretty sure of yourself, aren’t you?” Ali teased. “Sure you can keep up with my needs?”
Jake drew her against his body. “I think I can handle it.”
Suddenly feeling giddy, Ali laughed. “You’re everything I need.”
Jake grew serious and brushed her hair away from her face. “Tell me you’ll marry me soon.”
Ali blinked. “Anywhere, anytime, anyplace.”
Jake cocked an eyebrow. “I think soon is a good idea, since we didn’t use any protection when we made love.”
“Oh, gosh,” Ali gasped. “I forgot.”
“We seem to do a lot of that,” Jake said.
“Yeah, we better have the wedding real soon.” He reached behind him and grabbed his jeans. Going into the pocket, he dug out the sparkling diamond ring that Ali had returned to him earlier that night.
“I believe this belongs to you,” he said. “Or maybe I should get you another ring. It seems this one doesn’t want to stay put.”
“Don’t you dare, Jake Hawkins.” She grabbed his hand. “I want this one, and I promise it will never leave my finger again.”
“Just so long as you don’t leave me. I need you, Ali. You and Joanie are my life.”
“As you are mine.”
She held out her hand as Jake slipped the ring on her finger. He kissed the precious stone, then her.
Jake’s kiss was a promise of love, forever.
Epilogue
It was a sunny April afternoon, and Jake stood at the cottage railing that had been decorated with fresh flowers for today’s wedding ceremony.
He glanced down at the lake about fifty yards away. The trees and shrubs were rich with green, and colorful wild-flowers covered the slope to the water’s edge. Everything had come alive. Just like his life.
In about fifteen minutes, he and Ali were going to exchange their vows right here on the deck, where it had all begun.
“How you holding up?”
He turned to see his father.
Jake smiled. “Anxious. I want it over with. Seems like it’s taken forever to get to this day.”
“You’ve crossed a lot of bridges in the past six months.”
“Yeah. A lot of good things have happened.” He gripped his dad’s shoulder. They had spent some time together the past few months. For the first time, they were getting to know one another. Cliff had even managed to keep regular hours at the plant, and let his supervisors handle the running of things while he took time for a personal life. After all, he was only fifty-six years old. And as part of their father-and-son reconciliation, Cliff had been acting as Jake’s campaign manager for the upcoming sheriff’s race.
In June, Jake would start his new job as deputy to learn the ropes. The people in town had taken a liking to him, and seemed happy that if Ray Benson had to retire, then Jake “The Hawk” Hawkins was a good man for the job.
“I just hope I can live up to Ali’s expectations.”
“You know, son, love is a funny thing. It can forgive a lot of shortcomings. If you take time to talk…and listen.”
Jake saw the flash of sadness in his dad’s eyes. The man had been lonely for a lot of years. Hopefully Jake and his new family would change that.
Gran June came through the French doors. “We’re ready to start.”
Jake nodded as excitement raced through him. The minister stood at the railing, as did Jake and his best man, Cliff. The soft music that had been playing shifted to the bridal march, and all heads turned to the doors.
First came Margo. She was dressed in a pink lace dress that came to her ankles, and in her hands she carried a bouquet of spring flowers. Next came the maid of honor, Darcie, who was dressed in a mint green dress, and who also carried a bouquet. Ali’s sister had made the trip from New York. Darcie was happy with her career, and the two sisters had made peace, proving that love was indeed an unbreakable bond.
The small group of guests turned and watched as little Joanie came next. She toddled out, wearing a sunny yellow dress, her short black hair adorned with ribbons and flowers. Her concentration was on the miniature basket of rose petals she carried in her tiny hands. She looked frightened seeing the people, then spotted her daddy and took off running in her new Mary Jane shoes. The wedding guests chuckled.
Jake scooped his daughter up in his arms, then turned to see Ali as she stepped through the doors. Suddenly his breath locked in his chest.
His bride was dressed in an antique dress that had been her grandmother’s. The high collar was made of lace, and a beautiful cameo was pinned at her throat. The skirt gathered at her waist, and draped to midcalf. Her auburn curls were done up, and a circle of flowers sat like a crown on her head. His gaze met hers, and she gave him a trembling smile as she walked toward him.
When she stopped at his side, he ached to lean over and kiss her. But instead, he whispered, “You’re beautiful.”
She blushed. “You’re pretty handsome yourself.”
“Mommy, Mommy,” Joanie said, and held out her hands.
Jake held her back. “Oh, sweetie, remember our promise. You go to Grandpa.”
Joanie stopped fussing when Cliff took her in his arms. Jake turned back and gave his full attention to his bride. He took Ali’s hand.
Most of the ceremony was a blur, but Jake did hear the minister say, “You may kiss your bride.”
Without hesitation, Jake pulled Ali into his arms. Her emerald eyes sparkled with love as he lowered his head and took her mouth in a heated kiss that should have been saved for private. Finally when applause and whistles erupted, he broke off the kiss. “I’ll finish that later.”
“Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. and Mrs. Jake Hawkins.”
For the next thirty minutes, they took their congratulations from the guests, then Jake pulled Ali aside, wanting to have some time alone with his bride.
Ali resisted. “Jake, we can’t leave.”
“Just for a minute,” he promised as he took her down to the lake. He helped her over the stone-covered path until they made it to the water’s edge. He gathered Ali in his arms and looked out at the lake. “I always loved it here. It’s so peaceful.” He glanced down at Ali. “You sure you don’t mind having our honeymoon out here?”
She shook her head. “No. This place will always have special meaning for me. Our daughter was conceived here.”
Jake smiled. “Maybe we’ll luck out again. What do you think?”
“Maybe we should give us a little time,” Ali suggested.
“I could go for that. I’ll be getting used to a new job. But I want you to cut your hours down at the sheriff’s office. Besides taking care of Joanie, you have a house to redecorate.”
Just a month ago, they’d found a beautiful old house. It hadn’t been in the best shape, but they both fell in love with it and knew it was perfect for
their home.
“Wait until you see the bank account after we finish decorating. You’ll send me back to work.” She turned in his arms.
He kissed her, then they remained silent for a long time. Finally Jake whispered, “Thank you, Ali. Thank you for bringing me back.”
She looked confused. “What did I do?”
“My life didn’t mean anything until I heard your voice when I was in the hospital. Your voice brought me back. Then your kiss saved me.”
Ali had tears in her eyes. “That’s because we needed you. We need you to complete our family.” She wrapped her hands around her husband’s neck and bent his head toward her and kissed him.
With the touch of her lips to his, Jake knew he was truly home…at last.
ISBN: 978-1-4268-5590-0
BABY, OUR BABY!
Copyright © 1999 by Patricia Wright
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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
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